Abstract
Large scale model tests are performed to investigate the ultimate behavior of rectangular steel pier base-to-footing connections under monotonic loading. The main purpose of this research is to examine the applicability of the theoretical methods to the prediction of the ultimate behavior of pier base connections. The methods examined here are a component method and a simplified method based on the RC double reinforcement beam model. The validity and accuracy of the component method that were confirmed for the circular steel piers are also confirmed for the rectangular steel pier. This implies that the component method can be generally used to assess the ultimate behavior of pier base-to-footing connections. Regarding the RC double reinforcement beam model, an adoption of a realistic constitutive relation and an assumption of a proper RC cross sectional size lead to an acceptable result.
